ADVICE REQUESTED RE: ECZEMA AND DIETARY/SUPPLEMENTAL CURES

I have serious hand eczema. It started after I gave birth to child #1. It has continued unabated for eight years. I have used many different topical corticosteroids. My new dermatologist did a patch test on me and that showed I was allergic to several different chemicals. One is in almost every shampoo and conditioner. One is in a lot of cosmetics. Another is nickel. Unfortunately my clarinet keys are nickel plated. We are looking into purchasing another one with silver plated keys but that's going to run us upwards of $3,000. So I've been pressing on despite the annoying nature of this condition. Recently my dr. prescribed a very powerful corticosteroid and strongly warned me that I should consult my OB/GYN because he was pretty sure I shouldn't be taking this powerful drug if I get pregnant. He did say that it wouldn't prevent me from getting pregnant but I don't know if I trust him on that one. I like my dr., he's much better than the previous one who didn't seem to have enough time for me; only enough time to write a new prescription and tell me the same old song and dance. At least this one has listened and sympathized with my dilemma.

Anyway, I had asked him before whether diet or supplements can help eczema and he seemed to be unconvinced on the effectiveness of this route. He just continues to assert that the condition cannnot be cured; you just have to manage it through drugs and avoiding certain allergens. Well, last night I went to Dr. Mercola's website because I just have run out of options. This new powerful drug is just not working as well as I thought and I can't go more than two or so days without having to use it again. Now, I've never been into alternative medicine or taking supplements but since Kim at Coffee and Muffin has written about him than I decided to see what he had to say.

There was one article written by a different doctor that got my attention. She mentioned that these topical steroids are more harmful than helpful in the long run. I wasn't surprised at that statement. I've seen how my mother-in-law's skin has been irreversibly damaged from years of steroidal eczema treatment. She then went on to say that eczema can be cured but you need to do it through nutritional and supplemental means. Among other things, she says you need to cut out all refined sugar, white flour and processed foods from your diet. I have long suspected these things but have been too much of a chicken to cut out these things. It's hard! Wah! :) She then suggested taking a myriad of supplements along with vitamins; things like Omega-3s and magnesium and zinc supplements.

I told my dh this morning about it and he seems to be supportive of any kind of treatment. I'm just afraid it's going to cost us an arm and a leg in more expensive food and expensive supplements. So here's the question - Does anyone else out there have bad eczema? Do these treatments work? Is this advice just pie in the sky wishful thinking? How hard is it really to give up all that sugar and refined flour and processed food? I know some of you out there grind your own wheat and make your own bread. How time consuming is it? And where should I get these supplements anyway?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
Blessings.